The Strategic View of the Accession Countries DR. JÓZSEF GYÖRKÖS STATE SECRETARY MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SOCIETY The Strategic View of the Accession Countries Brussels 19-20 September 2002

Content Overview - Lessons Learned from the eEurope+ Progress Report Building Strategy by Participation Preconditions to be Achieved Elements of Achieving the Participative Position of the Accession Countries Conclusions - Pan European Strategy with the Accession Countries http://mid.gov.si

Overview - Lessons Learned from the eEurope+ Progress Report Information Society remains a top priority of the candidate countries National strategies are implemented and enforced Exploiting the potential of use of new technologies for access to Internet remains a problem Extensive exchange of experiences and best practice necessary eGovernment services as a catalyser for the implementation of the information society in the candidate countries Public internet access points http://mid.gov.si

Building Strategy by Participation The enlargement context Convergence Integration through interoperability Growth, productivity, employment and social cohesion Trans-European broadband information highways Applications, content and services for all European citizens and bussines http://mid.gov.si

Preconditions to be Achieved Regulation and harmonisation Combating the “digital divide” Improving the technical infrastructure Competition Security Higher visibility and a “user friendly” repertoire of modern online services Enabling a dynamic eBussines environment http://mid.gov.si

Elements of the Participative Position of the Accession Countries Enformcement of the national strategies Participating in Community programs IDA eContent Exchange of experiences and best practice The participative approach as a “win-win” concept Investments made now are to pay high dividend in the future http://mid.gov.si

Conclusions - Pan European Strategy with the Accession Countries The “information society convergence” as a integral part of the overall convergence Towards the world largest common market based on a highly competitive knowledge based economy The Pan European information society as a key actor, assuring welfare and cohesion for the Europe of the future http://mid.gov.si